Antimony-based substances have good prospects as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of their great hypothetical capacity. Unfortunately, the high volumetric growth and limited ion conduction in the electrolytic procedure prevent them from meeting their theoretical capabilities.
In a study published in the journal Carbon, H2/C heat reduction, selenization and sulfurization (SAS) of sodium stibogluconate resulted in Sb2Se3@C and Sb2S3@C nanodots with consistent diameters of 20.7 nm and 19 nm, respectively.
Antimony-based Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Many attempts have been made to investigate suitable electrode substances for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Because of their increased capacities compared to anode materials based on intercalation, alloying and conversion-based electrode substances have gained popularity.
Antimony-based substances (Sb, SnSb, Sb2Se3, Sb2S3) are possible anode substances for sodium-ion batteries having unique electrolytic mechanisms and significant hypothetical capacities. Owing to their large hypothetical specific capacities, Sb2Se3 and Sb2S3 are particularly appealing options.
Unfortunately, considerable volumetric growth and inadequate ionic conduction in their electrochemical process are the two fundamental issues that cause quick capacity degradation and poor rate performance at high current density.
Sb2Se3 and Sb2S3 are chalcogenides based on antimony with differing anions, resulting in variations in makeup and conduction. Studies of the influence of various anions on the volumetric growth of the electrode morphology, the capacity to attach with sodium ions (Na+) in the charging/discharging phase, and ionic conduction are of particular importance in the development of electrode components for sodium-ion batteries.
Given that both substances have quick capacity degradation and poor rate performance, avoiding failure of the structure and enhancing electrode conductance are considered primary goals.
Addressing the Limitations of Antimony-based Materials
In general, logical structural design and carbon encapsulation are excellent solutions to these critical issues. Using nanoscale materials may reduce ionic diffusion paths and speed up the interchange of electrons and Na+ ions.
During insertion/removal of sodium ions, the composite carbon is advantageous for accelerating electron transport and improving structural integrity. As a result, a range of Sb2Se3@C and Sb2S3@C composites have been investigated for sodium-ion batteries.
Sb2Se3 nanowires, rod-shaped Sb2S3, and Sb2S3@PPy micro-clips have all been documented thus far. While beneficial electrolytic performance has been achieved, the short cyclic life and extensive examination of the relationship between morphology and Na storing efficiency need additional investigation.
A suitable technique for obtaining extended cyclic life has been proposed to be the construction of an interlinked conducting carbon framework outside of the standalone nanodots (NDs).
Analysis Techniques Used in the Study
Power X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to describe the crystallographic characteristics. The existence of amorphous carbon with sulfur or selenium loading was verified by Raman spectroscopy, and the amount of amorphous carbon was validated by thermogravimetric assessment.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging was used to indicate the unique morphological makeup and distribution of particle sizes. The electrolytic capabilities of the two electrodes for sodium-ion batteries were evaluated using galvanostatic charging/discharging experiments. Density functional theory (DFT) computations were performed to further validate on an atomic level the sodium ion storing kinetics.
Important Findings
In this study, the team synthesized Sb2X3 (where X is Se or S) NDs@C from sodium stibogluconate using a complex pyrolytic technique and utilized them as anode components for sodium-ion batteries. Nanodots having particle sizes of around 19-21 nanometers were encased in a conducting carbon framework loaded with selenium or sulfur.
Each Sb2Se3 and Sb2S3 nanodot was covered by a weakly graphitized interlinking carbon matrix, which was then crosslinked to generate a highly conductive framework.
The reversible capacity displayed by the Sb2Se3 NDs@C electrode was about 316 mA h g-1 following 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1 and about 269 mA h g-1 following 200 cycles at 1 A g-1.
The extremely small nanodot architecture, limited shielding of the crosslinked carbon framework, superior electric conductance, and reduced hypothetical volumetric growth throughout the recurring alloying and converting operations all contributed to the improved electrolytic performance.
Density functional theory computations revealed that Sb2Se3 NDs@C has a lower sodium ion diffusion energy threshold, stronger product-carbon bonding, and more vacant energy bands, which should result in more solid sodium ion storing kinetics and rate performance.
Given the ease of manufacturing, good yield, cheap cost, and excellent electrolytic performance, this research may pave the way for developing upscaled multifunction electrodes using Sb-based coordination compounds in zero to three dimensions.
News
Platelet-inspired nanoparticles could improve treatment of inflammatory diseases
Scientists have developed platelet-inspired nanoparticles that deliver anti-inflammatory drugs directly to brain-computer interface implants, doubling their effectiveness. Scientists have found a way to improve the performance of brain-computer interface (BCI) electrodes by delivering anti-inflammatory drugs directly [...]
After 150 years, a new chapter in cancer therapy is finally beginning
For decades, researchers have been looking for ways to destroy cancer cells in a targeted manner without further weakening the body. But for many patients whose immune system is severely impaired by chemotherapy or radiation, [...]
Older chemical libraries show promise for fighting resistant strains of COVID-19 virus
SARS‑CoV‑2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continues to mutate, with some newer strains becoming less responsive to current antiviral treatments like Paxlovid. Now, University of California San Diego scientists and an international team of [...]
Lower doses of immunotherapy for skin cancer give better results, study suggests
According to a new study, lower doses of approved immunotherapy for malignant melanoma can give better results against tumors, while reducing side effects. This is reported by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in the Journal of the National [...]
Researchers highlight five pathways through which microplastics can harm the brain
Microplastics could be fueling neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, with a new study highlighting five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain. More than 57 million people live with dementia, [...]
Tiny Metal Nanodots Obliterate Cancer Cells While Largely Sparing Healthy Tissue
Scientists have developed tiny metal-oxide particles that push cancer cells past their stress limits while sparing healthy tissue. An international team led by RMIT University has developed tiny particles called nanodots, crafted from a metallic compound, [...]
Gold Nanoclusters Could Supercharge Quantum Computers
Researchers found that gold “super atoms” can behave like the atoms in top-tier quantum systems—only far easier to scale. These tiny clusters can be customized at the molecular level, offering a powerful, tunable foundation [...]
A single shot of HPV vaccine may be enough to fight cervical cancer, study finds
WASHINGTON -- A single HPV vaccination appears just as effective as two doses at preventing the viral infection that causes cervical cancer, researchers reported Wednesday. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is very common and spread [...]
New technique overcomes technological barrier in 3D brain imaging
Scientists at the Swiss Light Source SLS have succeeded in mapping a piece of brain tissue in 3D at unprecedented resolution using X-rays, non-destructively. The breakthrough overcomes a long-standing technological barrier that had limited [...]
Scientists Uncover Hidden Blood Pattern in Long COVID
Researchers found persistent microclot and NET structures in Long COVID blood that may explain long-lasting symptoms. Researchers examining Long COVID have identified a structural connection between circulating microclots and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The [...]
This Cellular Trick Helps Cancer Spread, but Could Also Stop It
Groups of normal cbiells can sense far into their surroundings, helping explain cancer cell migration. Understanding this ability could lead to new ways to limit tumor spread. The tale of the princess and the [...]
New mRNA therapy targets drug-resistant pneumonia
Bacteria that multiply on surfaces are a major headache in health care when they gain a foothold on, for example, implants or in catheters. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have found [...]
Current Heart Health Guidelines Are Failing To Catch a Deadly Genetic Killer
New research reveals that standard screening misses most people with a common inherited cholesterol disorder. A Mayo Clinic study reports that current genetic screening guidelines overlook most people who have familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited disorder that [...]
Scientists Identify the Evolutionary “Purpose” of Consciousness
Summary: Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum explore why consciousness evolved and why different species developed it in distinct ways. By comparing humans with birds, they show that complex awareness may arise through different neural architectures yet [...]
Novel mRNA therapy curbs antibiotic-resistant infections in preclinical lung models
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators have reported early success with a novel mRNA-based therapy designed to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The findings, published in Nature Biotechnology, show that in [...]
New skin-permeable polymer delivers insulin without needles
A breakthrough zwitterionic polymer slips through the skin’s toughest barriers, carrying insulin deep into tissue and normalizing blood sugar, offering patients a painless alternative to daily injections. A recent study published in the journal Nature examines [...]
